To date, the system of Catholic churches has left a strong mark on the architectural landscape of Saigon. These are not only buildings serving religious purposes but have also become spatial highlights in the city's architectural heritage. With over 200 churches belonging to 14 dioceses, Ho Chi Minh City currently boasts a diverse range of church styles, including more than 10 churches that have preserved traces of the past 100 years.
When planning Saigon, the French intentionally created grid-like boulevards and viewpoints through large squares. These squares were dominated by iconic urban landmarks: the theater, the Norodom Palace (now the Reunification Palace), the Xa Tay Palace (now the City Hall), the old train station, Ben Thanh Market… and Notre Dame Cathedral, which served as the starting point for the Catinat (Dong Khoi) axis leading up from the riverbank. 
Among these structures, Notre Dame Cathedral stands out the most, thanks to its wide surrounding area and considerable height compared to neighboring buildings. Besides its height of 60.5 meters to the top, what makes the building so impressive is its distinctive red brick color and the perfection of its architectural details. 
Inaugurated in 1880, this place became the community center of the city. The square in front of the church connects to the surrounding avenues as well as the adjacent post office building, creating a complete connection modeled after a European city. 
Other churches also chose locations adjacent to densely populated residential areas, such as the Nga Sau Church (also known as the Church of Saint Jeanne d'Arc, inaugurated in 1922), situated opposite Da Trach Park overlooking a six-way intersection of major roads in District 5, forming a point where traffic flows in all directions. Similar to Notre Dame Cathedral, the Nga Sau Church is also located away from the surrounding buildings, giving the church, despite its modest size, an unusual sense of grandeur. 
The streets are lined with rows of straight-trunked oil palm trees, mirroring the Gothic bell towers of the churches, creating a unified urban plan. Churches often choose warm colors like red brick, pink, orange, or even vibrant shades like Tan Dinh Church, making them stand out in the tropical sunlight against the blue sky and lush green foliage year-round, acting as colorful accents that guide the urban landscape.Heritage Magazine
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